What are the Causes of Teeth Discoloration & How to Remove It?

What is Tooth Discoloration?

Teeth can be white or yellowish, depending on certain factors like genetics and lifestyle. Tooth discoloration can be extrinsic or intrinsic. The extrinsic factors affect the enamel, while the intrinsic ones affect the inner parts of the teeth. Teeth whitening can address the extrinsic factors, but you may need other treatments to address the inner stains.

What are the Causes of Teeth Discoloration?

Several factors can cause teeth discoloration, and they include:

1) Trauma to Teeth

Trauma to teeth can cause discoloration in your teeth. This can be caused by sports or an accident. It could be from a fall down the stairs and hitting your face on the way down, or it could be from getting hit by something thrown at you.

2) Cavities

The buildup of plaque on your teeth causes cavities. Plaque is made up of bacteria, sugar, and other food particles that stick to the surface of your teeth and cause them to break down.

3) Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is a common cause of tooth discoloration. It can also cause cracks in the enamel and expose the dentin layer below it, resulting in stains.

4) Certain Medications

Certain medications can cause teeth discoloration, including heartburn drugs and certain antibiotics. If you are taking any medicines that contain tetracycline or minocycline, these may cause your teeth to turn yellowish-brown.

5) Aging

As we age, our teeth can also become discolored. This is because the enamel on our teeth wears away over time, exposing the dentin layer below it. When this happens to your teeth, they will look yellowish or brownish. While you cannot prevent age-related tooth discoloration, you can slow it down. Visit our teeth whitening dentist near Frisco, TX for more information on it.

6) Fluorosis

Fluorosis is a dental condition caused by the excessive ingestion of fluoride. Ingesting excess amounts of this element can cause discoloration, pitting, and brown stains on your teeth. It can also cause yellow stains and white spots on your teeth.

7) Lifestyle Factors

Foods and drinks can significantly impact the color of our teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas are all notorious for staining teeth. Smoking is another major contributor to tooth discoloration. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes leave behind a yellowish-brown film on teeth that is very difficult to remove.

How to Remove Teeth Discoloration?

Here are several tips that can help remove the teeth stains:

a) Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is the most effective way to remove discoloration from your teeth. It uses a potent solution that contains peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which dissolves stains on your enamel and makes them less visible. Our dentist in 75024 will apply the gel to your teeth and leave it for about an hour before rinsing it with water.

b) Use a Whitening Pen

Whitening pens contain hydrogen peroxide, which is a bleaching agent. They’re easy to use; dip the tip into the liquid and gently brush over your teeth with light pressure until they’re as white as you want them. If you want more intense results, try using a whitening pen twice daily for five minutes each time.

c) Use Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal works by binding to stains on your teeth and making them easier to remove with regular brushing. It even helps reduce plaque buildup. Activated charcoal powder can be purchased at most grocery stores or health food stores.

d) Apply Whitening Strips

Whitening strips work by removing stains on your teeth, but they don’t require any chemicals or other products that may be harmful. They are, however, less effective than getting professional teeth whitening.

e) Brush with Whitening Toothpaste

You can use whitening toothpaste to remove tooth discoloration. You should brush your teeth twice daily with this product and use a soft brush.

Get Professional Teeth Whitening Near You

If you want to remove tooth discoloration and have a better smile, try one of the above ways. They are all safe and effective, but each one has its pros and cons. It is always better to consult a dentist first before using them. Are you looking to get teeth whitening in Plano, TX? Give us a call or book a consultation with our dentist in 75024 at Arte Dental for more information on how to keep your teeth healthy and white.